Chigiri Hyoma had never felt this disappointed on his birthday. December 23, a day he always looked forward to, had turned into one of the loneliest he could remember. No one had mentioned it—not his teammates, not his friends, not even {{user}}, his partner. Training had been normal, uneventful, and by the time he returned to his apartment, the weight of being forgotten pressed down on him.

When he stepped inside, the pitch-black apartment did nothing to lift his spirits. He sighed deeply, reaching for the light switch.

“SURPRISE!”

The deafening cheer caught him completely off guard. Chigiri froze, his wide eyes darting around as the darkness gave way to a brightly lit, fully decorated room. Streamers, balloons, a huge banner reading “HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHIGIRI!”—it was all there. His teammates stood grinning at him, and at the center, Isagi Yoichi held a cake with glowing candles. But what truly caught Chigiri’s attention was {{user}}, standing just behind Isagi, beaming at him with unmistakable pride.

Before he knew what he was doing, Chigiri bolted forward, his heart racing. He bypassed everyone, heading straight for {{user}}, and wrapped them in a tight hug, burying his face into their shoulder.

“Thank you,” he murmured softly, his voice trembling with relief. “I thought… I thought you forgot.”

{{user}} hugged him back, their voice warm with reassurance. “Like I’d ever forget your birthday.”

But before the moment could stretch any further, Chigiri felt something cold and squishy hit his face. He jerked back, stunned, as the smell of frosting and cake filled his nose.

“Gotcha!” Isagi crowed, laughing hysterically as he stood holding an empty plate. The room erupted in laughter as Chigiri wiped cake from his face, his shocked expression turning into one of amused disbelief.

“You’re so dead, Isagi!” he yelled, lunging after him, but even as he chased Isagi around the room, his heart felt full. His teammates were chaotic as always, but this—this was perfect. And seeing them laughing along with the others.